JOHN A. LOGAN COLLEGE                 R. Yates – SP 05

PSY 203                                   ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY                          3 cr. (3-0)

COURSE DESCRIPTION:

Adolescent Psychology examines interrelated biological, cognitive, social, and emotional aspects of development during adolescence based on a life-span perspective. Major areas emphasized include: family relationships, the influence of peers, youth subcultures, the school experience, culture, career and work choice, the college experience, identity formation, adjustment, moral development, and the development of intimacy and sexuality. The course concludes with a focus on adolescent problems. Course content is based on theory, empirical research, and key adolescent societal issues.

PREREQUISITES:    PSY 132

COURSE OBJECTIVES:

1.      Critically analyze theory and research in adolescent psychology.

2.      Describe adolescent development including biological, cognitive, social, emotional, and moral aspects based on a life-span approach.

3.      Characterize how gender and ethnicity can influence identity development in adolescents

4.      Articulate dilemmas associated with adolescent sexuality, particularly as they relate to developing emotional and relationship dimensions of sexuality

5.      Characterize the nature and functions of peer relations, dating relations, and family processes

6.      Describe the adolescent school and college experience.

7.      Discuss career choice and the school-to-work experience.

8.      Demonstrate an appreciation of individual differences in adolescent development

9.      Examine various issues of adolescents at-risk such as: dropping out of school, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, teen violence, depression, suicide and eating disorders.

COURSE OUTLINE:

              I.      INTRODUCTION

           II.      THE SCIENCE OF ADOLSECENT DEVELOPMENT

         III.      PUBERTY, HEATLH, AND BIOLOGICAL FOUNDATIONS

        IV.      COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT

EXAM I

           V.      FAMILIES

        VI.      PEERS

      VII.      SCHOOLS

   VIII.      CULTURE

        IX.      THE SELF AND IDENTITY

EXAM II

           X.      GENDER

        XI.      SEXUALITY

      XII.      MORAL DEVELOPMENT, VALUES, AND RELIGION

   XIII.      ACHIEVEMENT, CAREERS, AND WORK

EXAM III

   XIV.      ADOLESCENT PROBLEMS

     XV.      ADOLESCENTS: THE FUTURE OF SOCIETY

THOUGHT PAPER AND DISCUSSION

COURSE REQUIREMENTS:

1.      There will be three (3) exams each worth 100 points. Exams will be from objectives covered in the text, lectures, and class discussions. Tests will vary in format with multiple-choice questions, true/false questions and/or short answer essay questions.

2. Three homework assignments will be given, one within each of the exam sections of material. Each assignment is worth 15 points. A total of 45 points may be earned by successfully completing all 3 homework assignments.
3. Students will be required to write a thought paper on a topic relative to Adolescence and approved by the instructor. More details regarding this paper will be discussed in class.
4. Attendance. John A. Logan College has an official attendance policy. Please consult your student handbook to familiarize yourself with this policy. An instructor has the prerogative to drop a student who does not comply with this policy. Attendance is monitored on a regular basis.
5. If, for any reason, you have to miss an exam, you must call in advance. The instructor may change the format for any make-up exams.
6. A make-up hourly exam may be given in the opinion of the instructor an adequate explanation is given prior to the exam. All allowable make-up work must be completed before a deadline designated by the instructor. If, for any reason, you cannot take a test, call the colleges at 985-3741 or 549-7335, Extension _8770__ and leave a message. It is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor concerning any allowable make-up work.
7. An incomplete grade will be considered by the instructor only if ¾ of the course has been completed and evaluated with at least a grade of C or better. An incomplete grade must be discussed with the instructor, and is given only at the discretion of the instructor.

Student Success Center. Tutors may be obtained through the Student Success Center. Contact the staff in C219 if this service is desired, John A. Logan College will make reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Any student with a disability that may have some impact on work in this class, who feels she/he needs an accommodation, should make an appointment with the Coordinator of Services for Students with Disabilities on campus, Christy McBride, Room C219B, Ext. 8516. Before services can be provided, this advisor must determine eligibility and arrange appropriate academic adjustments. It is the student’s responsibility to register in advance of a school term with this office and turn in a schedule each term to ensure that there is every opportunity for success in this class.

Financial Aid. Students who receive financial assistance and completely withdraw from classes prior to 60% of the semester being completed (approximately 2-3 weeks after midterm) could be responsible to return a portion of their Federal Pell Grant award. Prior to withdrawing from courses, students should contact the Financial Aid Office.

METHOD OF EVALUATION:

1.      Method                            Possible Points

Exam I                                                                 100 points

Exam II                                                                 100 points

Exam III                                                            100 points

Homework (3 worth 15 points each)                      45 points

Thought Paper                                                       55 points

Attendance, Participation                                   40 points

TOTAL                                                               440 points

2.      Grading Scale to Determine Grades

A        =        396 – 440  

B        =        352 - 395

C        =        308 - 351

D        =        264 - 307

E        =        Below 264

METHOD OF PRESENTATION:

1.      The use of lecture time and class participation will vary depending on the mastery of course objectives. Lectures may be used for clarifying textbook material; presenting material beyond the textbook; teaching learning strategies; and for discussing special topics.

2.      Handouts may be distributed throughout the semester.

TEXT:

Adolescence, (9^th edition) by John Santrock, McGraw-Hill, 2003.

INSTRUCTOR:        Renea Yates, MA, Term Faculty

                                    Office: Classroom

                                    Office Hours: Before and After class, also by appointment

                                    Telephone: 549-7335 or 985-3741 ext 8770

                                    E-Mail: reneayates@hotmail.com

DATE:                        Spring 2005